Article by Cosmin Nistor – Published Friday, February 27, 2026, 9:48 p.m. / Updated Friday, February 27, 2026, 9:49 p.m.
Cluj University prevailed in the duel on “Cluj Arena” against those from Oțelul Galatiscore 4-0, in a duel dominated entirely by the “red caps”. Issouf Macalou, a player wanted by Gigi Becali, scored for Transylvania FCSBbut refused by Mihai Stoica, Jovo Lukic, Andrei Coubiș and Drammeh.
Thanks to this success, “U” Cluj ensured its entry into the play-off, significantly complicating the situation of the Romanian champion, FCSB.
The player rejected by FCSB sends the champion to the play-out
Issouf Macalou, the striker of Cluj University, was wanted by Gigi Becali, but Mihai Stoica opposed. Becali stated:
“I don't take Macalou. I mean I would be interested, but they don't really want him. I have seen Macalou for a year, but they don't want him. Collaborators do not want it and what to do? So, excluded Macalou!”
Mihai Stoica explained the reasons for the refusal: “We are not interested in Macalou. He has quality. One-on-one he is very good, but with an attacking player you have to look at the numbers. He has 22 appearances and one goal this season. I'm talking about numbers. May the people from U Cluj forgive me. His name was never spoken with us.”
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Listed at €650,000 by Transfermarkt, Macalou signed with “U” Cluj in January 2025 and has since managed 7 goals and 9 assists in 41 official matches. In the current season, the striker has 4 goals and 8 assists in 26 matches, playing both in the wing and in the number 9.
FCSB, getting closer to the play-out
The only options for FCSB before stage 29 were:
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CFR Cluj to score at most one point from the matches with Farul (away) and Dinamo (home).
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U Cluj to draw at most at home with Oțelul and lose away to FCSB.
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FC Argeș to get at most two points from the matches with Dinamo (away) and Unirea Slobozia (home).
Thanks to the victory of the “students”, FCSB remains in the “hand” of those from CFR Cluj and/or FC Argeș. For the Romanian champion, the most accessible way to the play-off was through U Cluj, but this option failed. It would be the first season in which FCSB, champions of the last two editions of the Superliga, would miss the play-off qualification since its introduction in the 2015/16 competitive season.
